Left Footed Soccer Players: Is There an Advantage?

It’s been perceived that left footed soccer players are a rare breed and their uniqueness gives them an advantage. Is this true?

Facing a left-footed player can be tricky for right-footed players, as most people are naturally right-footed. This is because lefties tend to have a different style of play, which can be unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

As a result, left-footed players can often have a slight edge but any player can create their own advantages.

While most soccer players can use both feet, left-footed players are a notable minority. However, throughout soccer history, some of the greatest players of all time have been left-footed, including legends such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

In this article, I will take a closer look at some of the greatest left-footed soccer players of all time and explore what makes them so unique.

What Makes Lefties Unique?

Studies have shown that about 21% of professional soccer players are left-footed, compared to only 10% of the general population.

Being left-footed is associated with several traits that are strongly related to creativity, emotion, and impulsiveness – all of which are important for a successful soccer player.

Left-footed players are often placed on the left side of the field, where they can use their dominant foot to cross or shoot the ball.

This can create confusion for the opposing team, who may be used to defending against right-footed players. It also gives a team another element of attack as they probably have a righty on the right flank (side of the field).

With all this said, just because a player is lefty doesn’t mean they will be better at soccer. There are so many more important attributes that make a better soccer player such as IQ, skill, speed, and mentality.

Is There an Advantage of Being a Left Footed?

Here’s a case for why lefties have an advantage on the soccer field.

Unpredictability

Since the majority of soccer players are right-footed, defenders are more used to facing right-footed players. This means that a left-footed player can catch defenders off guard with their moves and shots, making it harder for them to defend against.

A simple body feint going to the left is less common than a player going to the right. Defenders need to adjust quickly or it may be too late.

Left-footed players also tend to have a more creative and unpredictable playing style. They can use their left foot to create unique angles of attack, which can be difficult for defenders to anticipate.

This unpredictability can make left-footed players a valuable asset to any team.

Unique Angle of Attack

When a left-footed player approaches the goal from the right side, they have a better angle to shoot from. This means they can take shots that a right-footed player might not be able to pull off.

This is why an Inverted Winger is very dangerous (in a good way) on a soccer team.

Left-footed players can also use their left foot to cross the ball into the box from the right side of the field. This can catch defenders off guard, as they are used to seeing right-footed players crossing the ball from the right side.

Left-footed players can also be valuable in set-piece situations. They can take free kicks and corners from the left side of the field, providing a different angle of attack for their team.

What Challenges Do Lefties Have in Soccer?

Bias in Scouting

One of the biggest challenges faced by left-footed players is the bias they often face in scouting.

Some college scouts and coaches believe that right-footed players are more versatile and can play in more positions than left-footed players. As a result, left-footed players can sometimes be overlooked or undervalued in the scouting process.

This bias can be especially frustrating for left-footed players who have the talent and skills to play at a high level.

To overcome this challenge, it is important for left-footed players to showcase their abilities and prove their worth on the field. They should work on developing their skills and playing in a variety of positions to show their versatility.

One way to solve this is to be the best player possible on the soccer field so you remove the lefty vs. righty debate from the equation!

Lack of Training Focus

Another challenge faced by left-footed players is the lack of training focus on their weaker foot.

Many coaches and trainers tend to focus on developing the stronger foot of right-footed players, leaving left-footed players with less attention and training on their weaker feet.

For example, in passing pattern drills, typically a coach will set up triangles that move to the right so it’s easier to get the rhythm because most kids are right footed.

Or, I’ve seen shooting drills where the ball is laid off for their right foot to shoot. For lefties especially at the youth level, this forces them to use their less dominant foot before they can develop their stronger side.

Left-footed players should use this to their advantage and work on developing their weaker foot on their own time.

They can practice passing, shooting, and dribbling with their weaker foot to improve their overall skills and become more well-rounded players.

7 Best Lefties in Soccer

As a soccer fan, you know that left-footed players bring a unique flair to the game. They can create magic on the field with their left foot, scoring beautiful goals and providing assists that leave defenders scratching their heads.

Here are the best left-footed players in today’s game and all-time.

1. Lionel Messi – The Argentine forward is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Messi’s left foot is a weapon, as he can score from any angle and distance with it.
2. Erling Haaland – The dynamic Norwegian professional soccer player who currently plays as a striker for Manchester City and the Norway national team, is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the world.
3. Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian attacking player who plays as a forward for Liverpool and the Egypt national team, and is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and skill on the ball.
4. Ousmane Dembele – A French soccer player who plays as a winger for Barcelona (rumored to go to PSG) and the France national team, and is known for his speed, technical ability, and versatility on the pitch.
5. Bernardo Silva – Silva is a unique lefty who plays as an attacking midfielder for Manchester City and the Portugal national team, and is known for his creativity, dribbling, and work-rate on the field.
6. Martin Odegaard – One of the best attacking midfielders in soccer, Odegaard plays for Arsenal and the Norway national team, and is known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity on the ball.
7. Bukayo Saka – A rising star, Saka plays as an inverted winger or left-back for Arsenal and the England national team.

Final Thoughts

Left-footed soccer players make up a small percentage of the overall population, but they can have an advantage in soccer.

While there is no definitive evidence to suggest that left-footed players are better than right-footed players, it is clear that they offer a unique advantage on the field.

In youth soccer, lefties are deceiving with their movements.

Let’s not weigh debate heavily one way or the other…

Ultimately, a player’s skill, technique, and tactical awareness are far more important than which foot they prefer to use.

I hope this article helps understand the uniqueness of lefties and what angles they can take advantage of!